Mastering the Art of Japanese Cuisine: An Inside Look at a Culinary College in London

Many of you reading this have probably had sushi before, and maybe some of you have even wondered how it’s made, but perhaps no one has thought about seeking an education specifically for the making of sushi.

At the Tokyo College of Sushi and Washoku London, anyone including you can learn more about this unique Japanese food, better yet, how to make it and master your own creation of sushi. There are two programs for full-time and part-time, 6 months and 6 weeks. With fully personalized programs as well, people from any culinary level can start this program to try and get their degree.

While not just sushi, but also washoku (Japanese food), degree seekers can expand their knowledge and culinary horizons on Japanese food beyond the popular dishes. Thus, in this article, we will chat with Masaru Watanabe, principal of the Tokyo College of Sushi and Washoku London.

Hello Masaru, thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. Could you please introduce yourself and share about your background and your relationship with Japan and Japanese food?

I am a founder of the Tokyo College of Sushi and Washoku, established in 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. This is a Japanese government-authorized cookery college. As all of you may expect, I am a big foody, and I spend a lot of time searching for Japanese restaurants in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and many other cities in Japan, to look for nice and beautiful Japanese cuisine. I also studied Japanese cuisine history and backgrounds from a cultural anthropological aspect.

Can you tell us the inspiration behind starting a culinary college for Japanese sushi and food in London?

Currently, Japanese cuisine is so popular all over the world because it’s healthy, beautiful, and sustainable. The number of Japanese restaurants outside Japan has more than tripled in the last 10 years (55,000 in 2013, 187,000 in 2023).

Lots of international students want to apply to my college in Tokyo. However, they can not get student visas because of their Japanese language proficiency. So, we decided that we would launch our branch in London and teach all the skills and knowledge of Japanese cuisine in English.

Is the sushi and washoku scene huge in London?

Yes, there are so many Japanese restaurants in London, from quite exclusive to fairly reasonable. In the UK, there was a 20% increase in Japanese restaurants every year, especially after COVID. I think people pay more attention to taking care of their health.

Can you describe what goes on in a course at Tokyo College of Sushi and Washoku?

We have a 6-month professional Diploma course that is a 4-day-a-week full-time program. After the completion of this program, students may receive a Diploma and be awarded the “Japanese Chef Certificate” from the Japanese government.

Also, we have 6-week short-term courses that are 4 days a week, and some one-day-a-week specified topic courses, such as Sushi, Washoku (hot dishes), Food culture, and so on.

We also offer tailor-made industrial training for current chefs.

Does one need culinary experience to apply/join the program, or are beginners welcome as well? Are there any requirements for enrolling in the programs or the workshops?

No previous experience is required. Same with our HQ college in Tokyo, we welcome anyone over 18 years old. As we describe it particularly, we welcome anyone who loves eating and Japanese culture.

Can you explain some of the workshops available at this institution?

We have a one-day Master’s program for chefs or hospitality industry people to enhance their skills. We also offer another type of one-day Master’s program in public, just to enjoy cooking Japanese dishes and cultures.

What can students expect at the beginning of the course and the end of the program?

The first part of the program is to learn how to use Japanese knives. As you know, Japanese knives are unique with a single-blade style. There are several kinds, just for sashimi, vegetables, and so on.

At the end of the program, each student may develop their own Japanese course menu and operate their own restaurant. They invite their family or friends to our college counter classrooms and work as the owner chef. This is their final assignment.

Are there any shorter programs or events available for tourists who want to learn about sushi making?

Yes, of course. We are happy to organize any type of short course for visitors and tourists. We are the only college that teaches authentic Japanese cooking by Japanese chefs in English in the entire world.

What skills do you think people will gain and/or improve by participating in workshops or enrolling in programs at this culinary college?

Through our program, I am convinced that all participants’ ability to sense taste will be enhanced tremendously. One of the features of Japanese cuisine is to make the most of the ingredients’ original taste. Many modern cuisines are too strong or greasy to appreciate the delicious taste of each ingredient. Once you learn Japanese cuisine, your ability to sense the deliciousness of each specified flavor will be greatly enhanced.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I would like all people to enjoy Japanese cuisine. Then, you will become healthier and have a long-lasting, sustainable life in the future.

With sushi being such a popular cultural dish enjoyed across the world, it’s amazing that there are culinary skill-building opportunities for such a dish, too. Whether readers want to learn more about sushi, participate in a workshop, or take part in one of the programs, there is now an abundance of information to help educate them on this culinary school.

Where to find Tokyo College of Sushi and Washoku:

Website: https://www.sushicollege.uk/events/workshops

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SushiCollegeUK

X: https://x.com/SushiCollegeUK

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SushiCollegeUK

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TokyoCollege_Sushi_Washoku_LDN

Featured Photo Credit: Tokyo College of Sushi and Washoku

If you love Japanese cuisine and will be coming to Japan, come check out our many amazing food tours across the country for a truly authentic washoku experience!